Three] 



at latest, to allow ample time for saving it. Farmers 

 usually draw the manure on the land as it accumulates, 

 so that it is difficult to obtain in the spring. 



Ashes contain a certain amount of phosphates, 

 which tend to sweeten the soil. They are also bene- 

 ficial in increasing the strength or stiffness of the 

 stalks, and for this reason are valuable for Aster and 

 Gladiolus beds; they should never be mixed with 

 manure, as is frequently done, but should be strewn 

 over the surface of the soil after the other fertilisers 

 are worked in. Ashes mixed with manure release the 

 ammonia of the latter, depriving it of one of its most 

 valuable properties. Ammonia itself is not a fer- 

 tiliser but a stimulant, creating in the plant a desire 

 for the food stored up in the manure in other words, 

 an appetiser. Plants, like people, will not eat unless 

 they have an appetite, and manure mixed with ashes 

 is poorer and much less valuable in every way to the 

 farmer and gardener. Soot is another excellent chem- 

 ical fertiliser, adding much to the richness of colour 

 in both flower and foliage. Apply either dry or 

 mixed with the surface-soil, or in the form of a tea 

 made by pouring water over the soot in a vessel. 

 Draw off the liquid after the mixture has settled and 

 apply it around the roots of the plants, taking care 

 that it does not touch the foliage. It is especially 

 good for Pansies and Roses. 



Manure-water is a good way to apply animal fertil- 

 iser, as it is fairly free from the seeds of weeds, which 



